Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a third national lockdown on Thursday in an effort to combat an increasing number of coronavirus cases.
Netanyahu said the new restrictions would take effect Sunday night and remain in effect for 14 days if the cabinet approves it, Reuters said.
Under the proposed restrictions, travel would be limited, schools would be partially closed, and shops and businesses would close. Residents would also be limited to traveling just one mile from their home unless commuting to work or purchasing essential goods such as groceries, Reuters noted.
The country’s Christian population is said to be limited to celebrating Christmas with prayer and worship in gatherings of 10 people or less in indoor spaces and no more than 100 people in outdoor spaces.
News of the lockdown comes just as Israel has started rolling out its coronavirus vaccine. Netanyahu received the country’s very first inoculation on Saturday.
He encouraged others to do the same.
“That was a small shot for a man, a huge step for the health of all of us. May this be so successful. Go out and get vaccinated! Netanyahu noted after his shot.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said the country is on track to complete its vaccination campaign in the coming months, Reuters reported.
Israel has seen more than 385,000 coronavirus cases and 3,150 virus-related deaths. The country’s Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday that four people in Israel had been infected with the new species COVID-19 first found in the UK, according to the news report.